JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 20, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channelNEW YORK—The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on Uttar Pradesh authorities to not oppose bail for imprisoned journalist Siddique Kappan and to grant him access to his lawyers immediately.
Yesterday, the Indian Supreme Court set a hearing for November 20 for a bail petition for Kappan, according to The Telegraph.
Kappan, a regular contributor to Azhimukham, is being investigated for violating the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and has not been granted access to his lawyers since his early October arrest, effectively barring his access to local courts, which is why the case reached the Supreme Court, according to news reports.
“CPJ is deeply concerned about the ongoing imprisonment of journalist Siddique Kappan and the denial of access to legal representation, which is a clear violation of his fundamental rights under the Indian constitution as well as international law,” said Aliya Iftikhar, CPJ’s senior Asia researcher. “Kappan should never have been jailed in the first place and should be freed at once.”
Kappan was arrested on October 5 on his way to report on an alleged gang rape and murder case in Uttar Pradesh, as CPJ documented at the time. Uttar Pradesh authorities have harassed other journalists working on the same story.—A CPJ statement
Photo caption: A demonstrator holds a placard reading 'Dalit Lives Matter' during a protest against the alleged gang-rape and murder of a 19-year-old woman in Uttar Pradesh state, in New Delhi on October 4, 2020. Journalist Siddique Kappan was arrested on his way to report on the incident.—AFP/Sajjad Hussain
February 07, 2025: PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.
February 06, 2025: PFUJ has challenged the controversial PECA Act 2025 in the Islamabad High Court, citing it as an attack on press freedom. Journalists and rights organizations protest the law’s implications for free speech and media independence in Pakistan.
February 06, 2025: Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.
January 29, 2025: As the White House welcomes podcasters and digital journalists, Pakistan tightens censorship through PECA amendments, silencing independent voices and forcing journalists into exile. A stark contrast in press freedom emerges.
January 29, 2025: Pakistan’s latest PECA amendments expand government control over social media, criminalize misinformation, and threaten freedom of expression. Media stakeholders and human rights groups condemn the draconian changes. Learn more about the implications for journalists and activists.
January 28, 2025: The Forum for Digital Rights and Democracy has raised concerns over the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, highlighting its risks to free speech, democratic values, and digital rights in Pakistan.
January 28, 2025: The Pakistan Senate's passage of the PECA Amendments Bill has sparked national and international outrage, marking a dark chapter for media freedom and free speech in the country.
January 23, 2025: CPJ exposes Pakistan's dangerous deportation of Afghan journalists fleeing Taliban persecution, highlighting critical human rights violations and press freedom challenges. #JournalistSafety
February 05, 2025 The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the Indian government to stop targeting independent journalism after revoking the nonprofit and tax-exempt statuses of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. Learn how this impacts investigative reporting and media freedom in India.
February 04, 2025 Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.
February 03, 2025 Cambodian journalists Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat have been detained on incitement charges after publishing a video allegedly showing torture in a cyberscam center. Press freedom advocates call for their immediate release.
February 03, 2025 Explore the rich history and philosophical significance of the Olympic Games, from their ancient Greek origins to their modern revival. Discover how the ideals of excellence, unity, and human resilience continue to inspire the world through the Olympic spirit.
February 02, 2025 Journalist Alejandro Gallegos Leon was found dead in Tabasco, Mexico after being reported missing. CPJ urges authorities to swiftly investigate and address the ongoing violence against journalists.